UNHCR working to help protesting Cubans

THE Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said they are working to help the Cubans protesting out with their building on Chancery Lane, by providing practical information on how best to convey their circumstances to TT officials. In a media release yesterday, UNHCR said the group has been in contact with UN personnel and that while they respect the rights to a peaceful protest, the refugees and asylum-seekers are required, like everyone, to abide by the laws of their host country.

“The UNHCR will continue to support the government of Trinidad and Tobago in its efforts to address the needs of refugees in ways that are efficient, humane and achievable. The UN remains concerned for very vulnerable people and will continue to work to ensure their rights and responsibilities are fulfilled in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The group of refugees have been camped outside the office for the past week hoping to expedite their asylum status. Some claim they were evicted from Living Water Community and, since they can’t work while seeking asylum, have no means of supporting themselves.

Two months ago, eight asylum seekers arrested outside the UNHCR office last year were freed by magistrate Sanara Toon-McQuilkin, after the prosecution indicated it was not ready to deal with the case. The police file of the investigation had not been endorsed by a senior police officer. The eight, who were part of a group of 18 that squatted outside the UNHCR, were charged with violating section 64(1) (n) of the Summary Offences Act.

The offence exposed them to a $200 fine or 30 days’ imprisonment. They were all represented by attorneys Christophe Rodriguez and Elena Da Silva.